In today’s fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves needing help to prioritize our wellness along with competing demands on our time and energy. In addition, many women struggle with wearing many hats, often leading to fatigue and neglect of our personal wellness.
However, taking a more intentional approach to cultivating health and wellness can positively impact our overall quality of life. Whether it’s through small daily habits or more structured lifestyle changes, there are countless ways in which we can become more intentional about prioritizing our well-being.
1. Lean Toward Community Instead of Isolation
This aspect of wellness isn’t spoken about frequently but can make all the difference in how much you feel supported and seen. The Office of the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023,” which address the healing effects of social connection and community. It notes that loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being.
We live in a world where people are quick to cut each other off and isolate, but often that is the opposite of what we need. So challenge yourself to lean toward community the next time you feel down or like something is missing. Consider calling a friend, joining a group class of some sort, seek out opportunities to serve and support others by participating in community service.
2. Spend the Morning Without Your Phone
We spend a lot of time on our phones daily, consuming the lives and thoughts of others. For many of us, it is the first thing we do in the morning when we wake up. After a long night of rest, your body and mind have gotten the opportunity to reset and recharge. It’s important to take advantage of this by allowing yourself to be with your thoughts and not the ones of the world. Time for reflection enables us to regain contact with ourselves. You may even notice you are much more focused and positive throughout the day.
Create a morning routine that works for you. Whether it’s skincare, drinking a cup of tea, or journaling your intentions for the day, how you start your day can determine how it will go.
3. Eat for Your Desired Energy Level
Imagine trying to drive your car around with an empty tank. That is how your body functions when it has no energy. The body’s primary source of energy is food. Food is fuel for your body, and what you consume can impact how energetic you feel throughout the day. If you feel sluggish after meals or throughout the day, consider adjusting your diet to include fiber-rich foods, complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. The more energy you have, the better you will feel, and can present the best version of yourself daily.
4. Have A Wind-Down Period to Your Day
As women, it’s easy to get caught up in your to-do list and carry tasks late into the night to finish everything. Unfortunately, this leads to poor work-life balance as there is no “end” to the day. Choose a time every day when you stop working and begin to “wind down” into the night—doing things that help you relax, reading, listening to music, getting comfortable, or simply sitting in silence.
During this time, you will transition from working mode to relax and prepare to enjoy a night of rest or enjoyment. Knowing when your day will end allows you to create more balance by separating work from your personal life.
